Magazine release block for magazine fed rifles

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a magazine release block assembly and methods for preventing the quick and easy release of an ammunition magazine engaged or inserted in a magazine well of an M16 or AR15 family style of weapon platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/409,560 filed Oct. 18, 2016, the contents of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to magazine fed loading systems forvarious rifle systems, and more specifically, to systems, methods andapparatuses for limiting standard functions of said magazine fed loadingsystems for M16 and AR15 weapon platforms.

BACKGROUND

The ability of a user of an M16 and/or AR15 related weapon platform torapidly and effectively insert an ammunition magazine and remove andreplace that magazine with another ammunition magazine is related to theeasy use of a magazine release button located on the lower receiver ofthe weapon. Users of these weapon platforms have limited optionsregarding compliance with certain proposed and existing laws targetingcertain types of magazine use. The inventors of the present inventionhave discovered a unique assembly and method for blocking use of themagazine release button that does not require components that interferewith the upper receiver, that suffer from ineffectiveness, areunattractive or cause excessive wear on the upper receiver. There needsto be a mechanism that has a more effective impact on such magazine use,more integration into the weapon receiver, that limits or eliminatesexcessive wear on the upper receiver.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments of the present invention, an AR-15/M16 basedweapon system may comprise a lower receiver, upper receiver and a boltcarrier assembly. The lower receiver may have a magazine well thatreceives a magazine for feeding ammunition to the weapon system's firingchamber. The lower receiver may also comprise a magazine releasemechanism (e.g., button, depressible lever, etc.).

In other embodiments, the present invention comprises a magazine releaseblock (“MRB”), wherein the MRB disables the magazine release mechanism.In another embodiment, the MRB is spring-loaded. In some embodiments,the MRB uses a spring to set a default (unengaged) position. In variousembodiments disclosed herein, inclined surfaces on the MRB and themagazine release mechanism can eliminate the need for a spring to returnthe MRB to the default (unengaged) position, wherein the elevatedsurfaces can be used with non-standard magazine release mechanisms. Oneembodiment of the present invention, a wave spring or compressiblerubber material is used in lieu of a coil spring. In one embodiment, theMRB is housed in the lower receiver. In certain embodiments, the MRB ispositioned in a pocket that is milled into the lower receiver.

In some embodiments the MRB is not visible when the lower and upperreceivers are assembled together. In certain embodiments, disassembly ofthe lower and upper receivers will disengage the MRB and allow forunhindered use of the magazine release. In various other embodiments,the MRB is adapted to move vertically to block the magazine releasemechanism. In some embodiments, the MRB moves radially as a cam on ahorizontal or vertical axis to block the magazine release mechanism fromfunctioning to release a magazine. Certain embodiments require that theMRB engage with the rear of the standard magazine release mechanism.Various other embodiments provide for the MRB to directly engage theshaft or catch portion of the magazine release mechanism. Yet, in otherembodiments, the MRB can be positioned to act directly or differently ona modified magazine release mechanism instead of blocking themechanism's operation by being behind it.

The present invention may have embodiments that disable ambidextrousmagazine releases. Some embodiment disabling ambidextrous magazinerelease mechanisms may require one or more milled pockets in the frameof the lower receiver to house the MRB components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of certain aspects of the presentinvention, wherein the dotted-dashed lines illustrate one route ofassembly.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a lower receiver with a partial cut-away toillustrate how the present invention interacts (see shaded area aroundmagazine release button) with magazine release button of the lowerreceiver.

FIG. 3 is a section view which is open or cut-away to show certainembodiments of the present invention in a disengaged position relativeto the magazine release button.

FIG. 4 is a section view that is open or cut-away to show certainembodiments of the present invention in an engaged position relative tothe magazine release button.

FIG. 5 is a top down view of a milled housing for an MRB in a lowerreceiver.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a partially unmated upper and lower receiverwherein the MRB is disengaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed magazine release block (“MRB”)will now be described in detail with reference to drawings wherein likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in eachof the several views.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of selected embodiments of thedisclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which thepresent embodiments may be construed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the selected embodiments. It is to be understood, however,that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplishedby different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed withinthe spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1-5.Looking first at FIG. 1, the lower receiver 100 with MRB, includingcomponents block 107, block spring 106, block pin 104, block pin slot108, is shown in exploded view, with dotted-dashed lines demonstratingorder of assembly.

As used herein, the term “lower receiver” shall mean the lower receiverof M16 and AR families of firearms. The M16 and its derivatives arearguably the most prolific type of firearm in the United States, beingused in the military, law enforcement and civilian shooters. Theseweapon systems comprise, inter alia, the components of a lower receiver,an upper receiver with barrel, bolt, bolt carrier, gas system,handguards, and butt-stock. The lower receiver of such weapon systemsmay comprise a spring-buffer system and housing; a trigger housing andtriggering system; and a magazine well or reservoir for receivingmagazines of ammunition. Said lower receiver reversibly mates with saidupper receiver, typically via take down pins. When mated, or in matedposition, the rearward portion of the upper receiver (portion thathouses the bolt and bolt carrier group) positions on a top portion ofthe lower receiver.

For M16 and AR related platforms of the prior art, a magazine carryingammunition can be inserted into the magazine well of the lower receiverfor the bolt and bolt carrier system housed in the upper receiver toextract live ammunition from the magazine in the magazine well into thefiring chamber of the upper receiver. At the desired time, the magazinecan be removed from the magazine well by depressing the magazine releasebutton that is workably mated with the lower receiver and positioned ona side of the lower receiver. When depressed, the magazine releasebutton allows for removal or release of the engaged magazine.

One concern of this type of release is the ease and quickness with whicha user can change an engaged magazine with a different magazine. Thecurrent invention addresses this concern directly with the MRB asdiscussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, lower receiver 100 has a pocket or milled housing105 for receiving block spring 106 and block 107. Milled housing 105 maybe shaped to receive a wave spring or compressible rubber material inlieu of a coil spring, such as block spring 106. Block 107 may also be adeformable rubber plug that is sized and shaped to interfere withmagazine release button 103. Lower receiver 100 also has block pinthrough hole 104 a for receiving block pin 104. When block spring 106and block 107 are inserted or placed into milled housing 105, block pinslot 108 is positioned in alignment with block pin through hole 104 a.Once block pin slot 108 and block pin through hole 104 a are aligned,block pin 104 is inserted through block pin through hole 104 a andthrough block pin slot 108. Once block pin 104 is inserted completely,block pin 104 retains block 107 and block spring 106 within milledhousing 105. When block pin slot 108 is oval or elongated in shape,block 107 can move vertically when compressed, e.g., when lower andupper receivers are mated, whereby the compression moves block 107 downinto milled housing 105 compressing block spring 106. Block pin slot 108can pass completely or partially through the full thickness of at leasta portion of block 107, or it can be broken out on one side of block 107where it is not a a complete slot.

From this compressed position, a bottom portion of block 107 ispositioned behind magazine release button 103 and blocks magazinerelease button 103 from being depressed to release a magazine that isinserted in magazine well 101. In certain embodiments, the MRB of thepresent invention serves to prevent magazine release button 103 fromcompressing a spring that is reversibly mated to the backside ofmagazine release button 103 and a magazine catch inserted into the wallon the opposite side of the lower receiver from magazine release button103. The spring between magazine release button 103 and the magazinecatch has a magazine catch arm inserted therein through the length ofthe spring path. When magazine release button 103 is depressed it exertspressure on the spring and the magazine catch arm in the directionmagazine release button 103 is being pressed.

When said lower and upper receivers are not mated, e.g., when not fullyheld into place by force or by takedown pins, spring 106 moves from amore compressed position and exerts an upward pressure, e.g., up out ofmilled housing 105, on block 107, which disengages block 107 from ablocking position behind magazine release button 103 (e.g., FIG. 3 andFIG. 6). Therefore, block 107 is in an upward, unblocking position(i.e., open position as in FIGS. 3 and 6) when the mating surfaces ofthe upper receiver 602 and lower receiver 100 are not mated or in fullcontact. This upward, unblocking position of block 107 allows a user todepress magazine release button 103 to remove and replace a magazine.Therefore, the MRB prevents extraction of an engaged magazine unless auser unmates the mating surfaces of the upper and lower receivers toexchange magazines, which renders the weapon inoperable. A top portionof block 107 of the MRB protrudes from milled housing 105 when themating surfaces of the upper and lower receivers are not mated or infull contact. In one embodiment, block 107 can be disengaged (e.g.,moved to an upward, unblocking position) by pulling the rear takedownpin to allow the upper receiver to rotate away from the mating surfaceof the lower receiver. One aspect is illustrated in FIG. 6, where therear takedown pin has been pulled to allow upper receiver 602 to rotateaway from the mating surface of lower receiver 100. While FIG. 5illustrates upper receiver 602 partially connected to lower receiver 100via the front takedown pin (also called a pivot pin), the MRB can alsobe disengaged by fully separating upper receiver 602 and lower receiver100 as described herein.

Block 107 is in an downward, blocking position (i.e., closed position)when the mating surfaces of the upper receiver and lower receiver aremated or in full contact (i.e., FIG. 4). This downward, blockingposition of block 107 prevents a user from depressing magazine releasebutton 103 to remove and replace a magazine. Therefore, the MRB preventsextraction of an engaged magazine unless a user unmates the matingsurfaces of the upper and lower receivers, which renders the weaponinoperable, to exchange magazines.

In the downward, blocking position, block pin slot 108 has block pin 104in a upper portion of the oval or elongated block pin slot 108 asillustrated in FIG. 4. In the downward, blocking position, block 107compresses block spring 106 to a more compressed position than whenblock 107 in an upward, unblocking position. Conversely, in the upward,unblocking position, block pin slot 108 has block pin 104 in a downwardportion of the oval or elongated block pin slot 108 as illustrated inFIG. 3.

The inventions disclosed herein work with both ambidextrous andnon-ambidextrous magazine release buttons. Preferably, the lowerreceiver has sufficient structure for milling a housing, e.g., milledhousing 105. Additionally, milled housing 105 may vary in depth andshape. For example, milled housing may have a larger milled area in theupper region of milled housing 105 and a smaller milled area in thelower regions of milled housing 105. As will be appreciated, the shapeand depth will vary based on the structure of the lower receiver andlocation of the MRB.

In FIG. 1, milled housing 105 is milled to create a spring pocket toaccept a lower portion of block spring 106 to a depth below magazinerelease button 103. The milled depth for block spring 106 allows foradequate compression of block spring 106 by block 107. This allows block107 to reach a downward, blocking position behind magazine releasebutton 103 when the upper and lower receivers are reversibly mated or inforced contact. The spring pocket for block spring 106 is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. Spring 106 is in the pocket and in a less compressedposition in FIG. 3, which forces upward pressure on block 107, todisengage block 107 from blocking magazine release button 103 as seen inFIG. 3. Block spring 106 does not interfere directly with the mechanicsof magazine release button 103. FIG. 4 illustrates block spring 106 in amore compressed position by block 107 exerting downward pressure onblock spring 106. Block 107 in the downward, blocking position can beseen in part in FIG. 2, wherein block 107 is represented by the shadedarea at the top right portion of magazine release button 103. In thisposition, block 107 is in a downward, blocking position, meaning that atleast a portion of the bottom of block 107 is physically preventingmagazine release button 103 from being depressed to release an insertedmagazine without unmating the upper and lower receiver to a point thatallows block 107 to be forced up and at least partially out of milledhousing 105 to disengage block 107 from the mechanics of magazinerelease button 103. The spring pocket for block spring 106 is shaped andat a depth and diameter to accept block spring 106 that is of a desiredmaterial, thickness, coil strength, diameter, and other characteristicsthat would be readily understood by the skilled artisan. In oneembodiment, the spring pocket is 0.094 inches in diameter and 1.25inches in depth. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, thediameter and depth varies depending on the characteristics andrequirements for block spring 106.

The shape of block 107 may be varied by the artisan depending on thestructure of the wall of the lower receiver. In one embodiment, block107 is shaped with a larger upper portion in relation to the lowerportion that interacts with and blocks magazine release button 103. Aswill be appreciated, a lower receiver with a differently structured wallmay use a differently shaped block 107 for achieving the downward,blocking position behind magazine release button 103. As illustrated inFIG. 1, block 107 can have a larger upper portion that extends furthertoward a right side of lower receiver 100, which allows for interactionbetween block 107 and upper receiver, i.e., upper receiver 602 as inFIG. 6. Designing or manufacturing block 107 in this manner aids inpreventing interference by block 107 of internal mechanisms of the lowerreceiver such as a right side bolt release transfer shaft for anambidextrous lower receiver.

Block 107 can be shaped to reversibly mate with the internal diameter ofmilled housing 105. Block 107 may be shaped on the lower portioncontacting block spring 106 so that block 107 fits adequately behind andblocks magazine release button 103 by preventing depression of magazinerelease button 103. Therefore, this disengages the intended functionalmechanics of magazine release button 103. The shape of the lower portionof block 107 will depend on the lower receiver's wall structure and thespacing and placement of the components of magazine release button 103,to allow block 107 to adequately insert behind magazine release button103 to block its action. As seen in FIG. 1, block 107 can be shaped tohave an angled portion that contacts with block spring 106 and angled toadequately insert behind and block magazine release button 103.

Different portions of block 107 can be varied in shape (diameter,thickness, length, height, oval, round polygonal, etc.) but still shapedto adequately and reversibly insert into milled housing 105 and serve toengage and disengage with magazine release button 103. Block 107 canhave dimensions that relate to the shape of the wall of the lowerreceiver. In one embodiment, block 107 is 0.183 inches by 0.210 inchesby 0.800 inches long, with the 0.183 inches being along the axis of therifle length. The 0.210 inches being a thickness in relation to the axisof the rifle width, e.g., axis from one side to another side of therifle width. The 0.800 inches is the height of block 107 from the pointof the portion that contacts block spring 106 to the point of theportion that contacts with the upper receiver when the upper and lowerreceivers are mated or in forced contact. This height of block 107relates to the depth required for milled housing 105 to allow block 107to reach the necessary depth to block and disengage magazine releasebutton 103. The block pocket can vary but will be of dimensions andshape to receive block 107. In one embodiment, the block pocket (as partof milled housing 105) can have such dimensions as 0.192 inches by 0.220inches by 0.385 inches. The block pocket can also have a dimension aspart of milled housing 105 that is 0.192 inches by 0.130 inches by 0.800inches deep to cross the pocket for magazine release button 103.

Depths can be measured from the mating surface of the lower receiver. Inall embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the MRB needto be large enough to effectively function to block magazine releasebutton 103 without failing. This means that milled housing 105 must besized and shaped accordingly. The MRB cannot be so large that it extendsbeyond the envelope of the lower receiver or interfere with magazinewell 101 or 601. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment demonstrating onepositioning and sizing of milled housing 105. As seen in this top-downview of FIG. 5, milled housing 105 does not exceed or extend beyond theenvelope of the lower receiver. In one embodiment, milled housing 105has rounded corners sized for use of a ⅛ inch diameter end mill, whilestrengthening the walls that remain after milling. As discussed herein,the placement, sizing and materials will be determined by the type orstyle of lower receiver being modified, e.g., an ambidextrous lowerreceiver, a standard lower receiver, and lower receivers made ofdifferent materials. Positioning and sizing can also be chosen for acombination of function to block magazine release button 103 and foraesthetics or appeal. For example, at a width of 0.220 inches, milledhousing 105 can be more aesthetic while functioning as required withoutbreaking or breaching the side wall of lower receiver 100.

In additional embodiments, an MRB can be fashioned to function withinthe space utilized by a right hand side bolt release mechanism. Thepresent invention also provides for an embodiment that moves an MRBfeature into the body of magazine release button 103 versus behindmagazine release button 103.

Block pin 104 serves as a retaining pin and can be 1/16 by ¼ inches.Block pin 104 may also be referred to herein as split roll pin 104. Theterms are interchangeable herein and would be understood by the skilledartisan. As seen in FIG. 1, block pin 104 is inserted into and throughblock pin through hole 104 a, which is of dimensions and shapes toreversibly mate with the lower receiver through block pin through hole104 a. When block pin 104 is inserted through block pin through hole 104a, it must be aligned with block pin slot 108 to allow block pin 104 topass into the oval or elongated block pin slot 108. When block pin 104is reversibly inserted and seated in block pin through hole 104 a andblock pin slot 108, it limits the vertical movement of block 107relevant to the axis of the rifle length. The limited vertical movementis based on the length of block pin slot 108. The limited vertical block107 movement is sufficient for block 107 to attain a depth to block theintended mechanical function of magazine release button 103, whereinsuch depth is the downward blocking position, which means that a top ofblock 107 is flush with the mating surface of the lower receiver whenthe lower receiver is mated with the upper receiver or in forced contactof the mating surfaces between the two receivers. Conversely, block pin104 limits the vertical movement of the upward, unblocking position ofblock 107. See FIG. 3 and FIG. 6.

Block pin 104 can be any material, shape or length desired by thedesigner or manufacturer. In one embodiment, block pin 104 is a splitroll pin. The split roll pin 104 can be replaced with a threadedretaining pin that functions for the purpose as that of block pin 104.

As will be understood by the skilled artisan, the measurements andcharacteristics related to milled housing 105, block 107, block pin slot108, block spring 106, block pocket, spring pocket, block pin 104 andblock pin 104 a are variable based on the needs of the specific weaponplatform being used and specifications of the design. For example, therecan be various materials used for each component of the MRB. In oneembodiment, block 107 is a 4140 pre-hardened steel, which can have anydesired finish such as black oxide finish. As will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, one or more of the MRB assembly componentscould be made from materials including, but not limited to, plastic,nylon, carbon fiber and different metals. The assembly may alsocompromise components that differ in material compared to each other.Because the MRB assembly and its components are not under significantheavy loads, it will be appreciated that the materials making thecomponents of the MRB can vary. For example, plastic is used to makelower receivers and these same plastics or functionally similar polymermaterials can be used for one or more of the MRB components.

Magazine release button 103 works by being reversibly mated with aspring that traversed the width of the lower receiver. The springreversibly mates with a magazine catch that is removably insertedthrough the wall on the opposite side of the lower receiver. There arevarious versions of magazine release button 103, which are typicallypost-factory modification kits. The present invention, MRB, is designedto work in these types of post-factory modifications.

In other embodiments, the MRB could be an assembly of a pin pressed intoa block. The use of the pin is to secure the block in place withoutvertical movement. One embodiment, the MRB can be a deformable rubberplug shaped and sized to interfere with the magazine release button ofthe lower receiver.

What is claimed is:
 1. An firearm of an M16 or AR15 platform comprising:an upper receiver with gas operating system; a bolt carrier group; alower receiver; said lower receiver comprising a magazine release block;said magazine release block comprising a block, a block spring and ablock pin; said block having a block pin slot for receiving said blockpin; said lower receiver of said firearm having a housing or pocket forreceiving the magazine release block; and said lower receiver having ablock pin through hole.
 2. The firearm of claim 1, wherein said blockspring contacts a portion of said block below said block pin slot. 3.The firearm of claim 1, wherein said upper receiver compresses saidblock when said upper receiver and said lower receiver are mated.
 4. Thefirearm of claim 3, wherein said block compresses said block spring whensaid upper receiver and said lower receiver are mated.
 5. The firearm ofclaim 4, wherein said block pin is held in position by said block pinthrough hole.
 6. The firearm of claim 5, wherein said block comprises ashaped lower portion that is received behind a magazine release buttonwhen said block is compressed down by said upper receiver.
 7. Thefirearm of claim 6, wherein said block pin slot is elongated vertically.8. The firearm of claim 7, wherein said block moves vertical to saidlower receiver's long axis.
 9. The firearm of claim 8, wherein saidmagazine release button cannot be compressed when said upper and lowerreceivers are mated.
 10. The firearm of claim 9, wherein said blockmoves to a higher, unblocking position when said upper and lowerreceivers are not mated, wherein said block pin is in a lower portion ofsaid block pin slot and said block spring is in a less compressed stateas compared to said lower, blocking position of said block.
 11. Thefirearm of claim 10, wherein said block moves to a lower, blockingposition when said upper and lower receivers are mated, wherein saidblock pin is in a upper portion of said block pin slot and said blockspring is in a more compressed state as compared to said higher,unblocking position of said block.
 12. The firearm of claim 9, whereinsaid block comprises a hard material.
 13. The firearm of claim 9,wherein said hard material is a polymer, alloy, or steel.
 14. Thefirearm of claim 9, wherein said steel is a 4140 steel.